New Year means new laws for California drivers

SACRAMENTO, Calif. - With the New Year just around the corner, The California

Highway Patrol Is reminding motorists of several new laws or changes to existing

law that goes into effect in 2014. The following are summaries of some transportation-related laws that, unless otherwise stated, go into effect on January 1, 2014.

•AMBER Alert: Expansion (AB 535, Quirk): This law requires law enforcement to request activation of the AMBER Alerts after receiving a report that a child has been taken, abducted by anyone, including a custodial parent or guardian, who may causeserious bodily injury or death to the child.

•Bicycles: Passing Distance (AB 1371, Bradford): This law prohibits motorists from passing a bicycle with less than three feet between any part of the vehicle and any partof the bicycle or driver. When three feet is not possible, the motor vehicle must slow toa reasonable and prudent speed and only pass when no danger is present to the bicyclist. Failing to do so can incur a fine, regardless of collision or not. This law willgo into effect September 16, 2014.

•Charter Bus Carriers: Limousines: Emergency Exits (SB 109, Corbett): By January1, 2016, every limousine that has been modified or extended to accommodate additionalpassengers shall have two rear doors and one or two internally removable rear emrgencyrear windows. If such modifications occurred on or after July of 2015, these requirements apply immediately after July 1, 2015. all new limousines manufactured after January 1, 2015 must meet these requirements as well.

•Hit and Run: Statute of Limitations (AB 184, Gatto): This law extends the statuteof limitations for hit-and-run collisions in which death or permanent, serious injury wasa result. A criminal complaint may be filed within three years of the offense, or oneyear after the person was initially identified by law enforcement as a suspect in thecommission of the offense, which ever comes later, but in no case more than six yearsafter the offense.

•Search Warrants: Chemical Tests (SB 717, DeSaulnier): This amendment to currentlaw authorizes the issuance of a search warrant to draw blood from a person in aeasonable, medically approved manner, to show that the person violated misdemeanorDUI provisions when that person has refused an officer's request to submit to, or hasfailed to complete, a blood test. This las has been operative since September 20, 2013.

•Teen Drivers (SB 194, Galgiani): This law prohibits a person who is under 18years of age from using an electronic wireless communications device to write, send,or read a text-based communication while driving, even if equipped with a hands-freedevice.